Himachal Pradesh has incurred losses exceeding Rs 4,079 crore due to cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides triggered by heavy monsoon rains from June 20 to September 7, according to state officials. This disaster underscores the region's susceptibility to extreme weather, with climate change amplifying the frequency of such events in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. A total of 366 people have died in rain-related incidents and accidents, including 203 from floods, landslides, and cloudbursts, while 41 remain missing and 163 perished in road mishaps.
Infrastructure has been severely hit, with 6,025 houses and 455 shops or factories damaged. The state recorded 135 major landslides, 95 flash floods, and 45 cloudbursts. Transportation is crippled, with 869 roads blocked, including three national highways (NH-3, NH-5, and NH-305), alongside disruptions to 1,572 power transformers and 389 water schemes. Kullu saw the most closures (227 roads), followed by Mandi (191) and Shimla (154).
Specific areas like the Shimla-Theog road in the apple belt remain shut due to ongoing landslides near Chaila, stranding vehicles, including apple-laden trucks. Search operations for missing Manimahesh pilgrims in Chamba have concluded, with 17 deaths reported since the yatra began on August 15. Officials urged families to report missing persons via helpline 98166-98166.
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Light rains continued in parts of the state, with Manali receiving 24.2 mm since Saturday evening. Himachal has seen 943.2 mm of rainfall from June 1 to September 6, a 46% excess over normal. The Met department issued yellow warnings for thunderstorms and lightning in isolated areas through Monday, signalling potential further disruptions.
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